The Government is encouraging pensioners to check if they qualify for pension credit, and if so, to apply for it in order to receive the winter fuel payment.

If you get Pension Credit, you can also get other help, including:

• Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
• a Council Tax discount
• a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 years old or over
• help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
• help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
• a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single; or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.

You could get additional benefits depending on your circumstances.

You can apply for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months.

You can apply online, over the telephone, or by post.

Currently, only 63% of people who are eligible nationwide for Pension Credit are receiving it. That's nearly 4 in every 10 pensioners who are entitled to Pension Credit, because of their low income, aren't claiming it.

To find out if you are eligible for Pension Credit, visit the Government's website.